medicinal herbsScrophularia ningpoensis

Herb latin name: Scrophularia ningpoensis

Synonyms: Scrophularia oldhami

Family: Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)

Medicinal use of Scrophularia ningpoensis:

This species has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for over 2,000 years. The root is antibacterial, antifungal, antipyretic, antiphlogistic, cardiac, diuretic, febrifuge, haemolytic, hypoglycaemic, restorative, sialogogue, tonic and vasodilator. Small doses act as a heart tonic, whilst large doses depress cardiac function. The root is used internally in the treatment of feverish illnesses with symptoms such as rashes, delirium and insomnia, dry cough, throat infections, abscesses and carbuncles. The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use.

Description of the plant:

Plant:

Perennial

Height:

100 cm(3 1/4 foot)

Flovering:

June toOctober

Habitat of the herb:

Propagation of Scrophularia ningpoensis:

Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.